NBA Rumors: Michael Beasley Draws Interest from Orlando Magic, According to Report

The Orlando Magic are among the teams "most interested" in trading for Minnesota Timberwolves combo forward Michael Beasley, reports Ken Berger of CBSSports.com. Though Orlando would like to add a player with a higher caliber than Beasley for the stretch run, Berger says "the Magic are pursuing multiple avenues in an attempt to improve the team." Previously, Orlando had been linked to Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash and Golden State Warriors scoring guard Monta Ellis.

Beasley, the second overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, is averaging 11.9 points and 4.8 rebounds for the Timberwolves in 24.3 minutes per game, shooting 44.3 percent from the field; all four of those figures represent career-lows for the former Kansas State Wildcat, who's seen his role diminish under Rick Adelman in his first year coaching Minnesota.

Berger says "it's no secret" the Timberwolves are looking to unload Beasley. The Magic, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers are the other teams to show the most interest in him.

The 2012 NBA trade deadline is Thursday, March 15th at 3 PM Eastern.

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